By Hank Krause

Contributor

Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC) conferred degrees, diplomas and certificates for Spring 2024 to the following list of WITCC graduates. An asterisk (*) denotes students graduating with honors. 

On Friday, June 28, Connie Blake celebrated her retirement after 51 years as an employee of Security National Bank with an open house. Attending were customers, fellow banking employees, relatives, and friends all wishing Connie well on her retirement journey. Now it is time for relaxation! Congratulations, Connie! Photo by Sharon Frerichs

The historic 2024 flooding of the Big Sioux River in Akron broke the record of 25.46’ from 2014 by reaching 27.34’. Flood stage in Akron is 16’. The flooding caused major damage on many roads in the area including Highway 48 in South Dakota. The smaller bridge west of the main bridge over the Big Sioux River sustained major damage from the flooding. It is not known how long the road will be closed.

The home of Marlene Dietrich was inundated with water on June 22, especially in the basement which is the home of her daughter, Abby and her two children.  The picture shows an outdoor shed removed from the cement on which it was located. 

By Sabrina Escalante 

JULY 2, 2024 — More than 225 American Red Cross disaster workers have been assisting in the response effort to the flooding in Northwest Iowa, providing vital support and comfort to those forced from their homes.
 
The Red Cross is currently managing or supporting five shelters in Northwest Iowa:
• Clay County Regional Event Center, 800 West 18th Street, Spencer, IA 51301
• Faith Reformed Church, 1305 7th Street, Rock Valley, IA 51247

An Akron Community Blood Drive will be held Tuesday, July 2, 7:30-10:30 a.m. in the Bloodmobile located behind Security National Bank, 251 Reed St., Akron.

Appointments are encouraged by texting LIFESERVE to 999-777, calling 800-287-4903, or on the website lifeservebloodcenter.org.

Britton Chiropractic & Rehab Clinic

By Sabrina Escalante

Akron Hometowner

By Sabrina Escalante

Akron Hometowner

The Community Foundation of Greater Plymouth is looking for grant applications from the Akron area. More information can be found at this site:

https://www.desmoinesfoundation.org/affiliates/plymouth-county

By Sabrina Escalante

Akron Hometowner

Open House June 18

This year, 2024, marks an incredible milestone in Heyl Truck Lines’ history as the company proudly celebrates its 75th anniversary. 

Currently there are beautiful pictures around the area ready to be shared. If you have pictures taken, submit to the Akron Hometowner at akronhometowneria@gmail.com. Please identify the type of plant and state your name or just your residence location if you so prefer.  We would like to make this a weekly feature and welcome any assistance in this endeavor.

The month of May in Akron was wetter than normal. According to one resident, their monthly thermometer showed 6.2” for the month. The average rainfall in Akron for May is 5”.

In Iowa, generally the driest month is January and the wettest month is June according to a weather site.

By Jaime Copley

Contributing writer

Proposed city improvements and projects are moving forward, following the May 21 regular Akron City Council Meeting.

Akron Opera House windows being restored

By: Sabrina Escalante

Akron Hometowner